By Amy Looker
The 19th annual Australian Liquor Stores Association (ALSA) conference kicks off today at the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.
More than 200 delegates have come together for a week of conference sessions where they will hear from key industry members, supplier partners and business experts on a range of issues relating to the retail liquor industry.
The conference opened this morning with a presentation from keynote speaker, Mark Inglis, followed by a panel discussion led by economist, Peter Switzer.
In opening the conference, ALSA president Giuseppe Minissale presented former ALSA president Mal Higgs with a life membership for his contribution to the industry and association over the last 25 years.
Also on the agenda for the week is a presentation by Nielsen's Michael Walton, a panel discussion with ALSA's supplier partners, the ALSA expo and trade day, and presentations on issues ranging from the impact of the carbon tax on small businesses to how to best utilise social media.